Did MEP’s vote for tightening return rules for irregular migrants seal a centre-right and far-right alliance?

The European Parliament gave on Wednesday final approval to stricter EU-wide rules on returning irregularly staying third-country nationals, marking another significant step in the implementation of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. The regulation passed with 418 votes in favour, 218 against, and 30 abstentions.

The vote saw the center-right European People’s Party (EPP) once again relying on support from right-wing and far-right groups, including the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and Patriots for Europe, to secure a majority. This recurring alignment has fuelled intense debate over whether a de facto centre-right to far-right coalition is solidifying in the European Parliament.

The new rules aim to make returns faster and more effective, addressing the historically low deportation rate for rejected asylum seekers and irregular migrants. Main provisions include extended detention periods, mutual recognition of return decisions, return hubs in third countries, and enhanced investigative powers.

Meloni hails success – echoing her domestic coalition

From Évian-les-Bains, France, where she attended the G7 Leaders’ Summit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the vote as “a great success for Italy and Europe”, crediting her government’s push for tougher return policies. The new political balance in the European Parliament mirrors Meloni’s own governing coalition at home, where her Brothers of Italy works together with the center-right Forza Italia and Lega.

Meloni has every reason to rejoice: today’s vote vindicates her bold solo initiative to process migrant applications in Albania – the so-called “Albania model” – which has now been embraced at European level.

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Patriots for Europe leader Jordan Bardella, who according to opinion polls is the frontrunner for the 2027 presidential elections in France, claimed credit for driving the toughest migration rules in EU history and noted that the EPP had “shed its Stockholm syndrome” to support Patriots’ demands.

On the other side, progressive groups (S&D, Greens, The Left) strongly protested, with shouts of “Shame on you!” echoing in the hemicycle after right-wing applause and “Send them home” chants.

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Total chaos in the EU Parliament! The Right chants "Send them back!" while the Left screams "Shame on you!" This is the exact moment the controversial returns regulation officially passed by majority. pic.twitter.com/wqB87cEm49
— EU Perspectives (@EUPerspectives) June 17, 2026

Critics, including NGOs and left-wing MEPs, denounced the text as “inhumane,” warning of prolonged detention and risks to fundamental rights.

A shifting political landscape?

This is not the first time the EPP has joined forces with more radical right groups to pass migration legislation. Combined with the earlier re-election of EPP’s Roberta Metsola as President of the European Parliament, today’s vote raises the question of whether a broader and more stable center-right/right-wing understanding – or even a “new union” – is taking shape in the EP.

The pattern raises questions about the future of the traditional “pro-European centrist” coalition.

While the EPP maintains it is simply delivering effective solutions to citizens’ concerns on migration, left-wing and pro-migration voices argue this marks a dangerous rightward shift and the normalisation of far-right influence in EU policymaking.

The regulation now awaits formal adoption by the Council before entering into force. Whether today’s vote represents a one-off pragmatic alliance or the consolidation of a more permanent center-right/far-right axis on key issues will become clearer in the coming months.

Caption: On one side, the hemicycle echoed with right-wing applause and “Send them home” chants. On the other side, progressive groups (S&D, Greens, The Left) strongly protested, with shouts of “Shame on you!”. [European Parliament Multimedia Centre]